Beaded Bag
The design on this bag juxtaposes figural representations of people and horses, suggesting a scene of work or ritual activity. The weaver reimagined a widespread style of decorated pouches used for tools or ritual paraphernalia with details such as the bricked geometric diamonds and zigzags. The bag’s embellishment reflects artistic experimentation and innovation in the face of dramatic changes that occurred by the 1850s, including the imposition of the reservation system in the Lower Columbia River.
Artwork Details
- Title: Beaded Bag
- Date: ca. 1860
- Geography: Possibly made in Oregon, United States; Possibly made in Washington, United States
- Culture: Wasco, Native American
- Medium: Tanned leather, cordage, glass beads, brass beads, and commercial brass buttons
- Dimensions: 28 × 6 3/4 in. (71.1 × 17.1 cm)
- Credit Line: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection of Native American Art, Gift of Charles and Valerie Diker, 2021
- Object Number: 2021.434.22
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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